Tomb of Zhang Shicheng

Tomb of Zhang Shicheng

The Tomb of Zhang Shicheng is a cultural relic protection site of Suzhou City.

The Tomb of Zhang Shicheng is located in Shengdun Village, Xietang Town. It was designated as a cultural relic protection site of Wuxian County in 1960, and in 1995, due to an administrative division adjustment, it became a cultural relic protection site of Suzhou City.

Zhang Shicheng (1321–1367), nicknamed Jiusi, was a native of Baijuchang in Dongtai (now part of Dafeng City), and made a living by transporting salt by boat. In the 13th year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty (1353), unable to endure the oppression of the wealthy elite, he led a group in killing the local rich and rose up in rebellion with over ten thousand conscripted laborers and salt workers. The following year, he took control of Gaoyou, declared himself the King of the City, established the Great Zhou dynasty, and adopted the reign title of Tianyou. After defeating the large Yuan army led by the Chancellor Toghon at Gaoyou, he crossed the Yangtze River from Nantong to Changshu. In February of the 16th year of the Zhiyuan era (1356), he captured Pingjiang (present-day Suzhou), established it as his capital, and later proclaimed himself the King of Wu. In July of the 27th year of the Zhiyuan era (1367), Zhu Yuanzhang’s forces captured Pingjiang, Zhang Shicheng was taken prisoner, sent to Jinling (present-day Nanjing), and later hanged himself. The tomb of Zhang Shicheng covers an area of over three mu, with the mound rising about one meter above the surrounding farmland. In front of the tomb, there used to be a stele inscribed with “Tomb of King Wu of Zhang,” erected by the Wuzhong Tomb Preservation Society during the Republican era, and to the west of the tomb, there was once a Temple of King Zhang, both of which no longer exist.